False widows (genus Steatoda) are small-to-medium-sized, often dark-colored spiders with round, bulbous abdomens that closely resemble, yet lack the red hourglass of, true black widow spiders. They are common, often harmless household spiders known for building messy, tangled webs in dark, secluded corners.
False widows are not the deadly spiders they are sometimes thought to be. Although false widows do have a venomous bite, the venom is not particularly potent. Usually the only symptom is pain at the site which may radiate away from the bite.
False widow spiders:
The false black widow is found in the coastal states of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific regions. It is a common spider in homes and other structures.
Natural Repellents and Deterrents
Peppermint oil, vinegar, citrus peels, or a mixture of water and essential oils can be sprayed around entry points, corners, and other areas prone to spider activity. These natural remedies can help create an unfavourable environment and discourage false widow spiders from settling in.
There have been no fatalities from any spider bite in the UK, including the Noble False Widow Spider. If you are bitten by a spider or stung/bitten by an insect then you must ensure that the wound does not get infected, by cleaning it with an antiseptic wash or soap and water as soon as possible.
Understanding False Black Widow Spider Infestations
They tend to spin irregular webs in dark, sheltered areas such as basements, attics, sheds, and garages. Though false black widows are generally non-aggressive, bites may occur when they are accidentally disturbed.
Media reports of spider bites usually focus on Noble False Widows and, occasionally, on the smaller Steatoda grossa (the much smaller Steatoda bipunctata is extremely unlikely to be able to penetrate the skin of humans or pets). Noble False Widows are actually shy and rather sluggish.
The false widow spider can bite, although the bite is mildly venomous, may leave small puncture marks on the skin and can cause localised pain and swelling.
Lifespan. The S. nobilis spiders have a high longevity, with a lifespan of up to five years. They have a fast reproductive rate and are cold tolerant with year-round activity.
The noble false widow can generally eat whatever's available, including woodlice, flies, centipedes, wasps and bees. But most striking is their ability to prey on animals significantly larger than themselves: lizards, bats and shrews have all been recorded as part of their diet.
The diamond-backed spider, or diamond spider, is a brown little spider known for its diamond-shaped black mark on its back. Its habitat includes boggy areas with moss, purple moor grass and heather. It was thought to possibly be extinct until its rediscovery in 2017 and is now classified as critically endangered.
The quick bite of the black widow spider has the power to paralyze large prey.
When wolf spider eggs hatch, the spiderlings climb on the mother's back and she carries them until they're large enough to hunt for themselves. If you squish a wolf spider that's carrying her young, you may inadvertently send dozens of her babies into different cracks and crevices of your home.
The quick movements of the hobo spider and the fact that they sometimes run toward individuals when disturbed have fueled such myths. The truth is, hobo spiders have very poor vision and can't see objects more than a couple feet away. When they sense a potential threat, they run…
There are members of the scientific and insect community who argue the false widow spider is beneficial to the household. They patrol the home hunting prey likely to cause long-term damage. When left alone, spiders like these are harmless and they chow on household pests.
It is not an aggressive species but will bite when handled without due care. A large infestation can prove dangerous, so we would recommend you call in a pest control company to remove them if you discover a nest.
False widow spiders are not fast moving or aggressive, so have no reason to bite unless they are provoked or feel threatened. Common sightings have been in greenhouses, sheds and homes as they search for warm shelter.
Due to their keen sense of smell, black widows do not enjoy lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, or peppermint aromas. You can deter black widows by spreading these potent odors because they can smell through their feet.
During the warm summer months, it is possible that black widows will get more active. This is the time of year that the widows look to mate and lay their egg sacs. So, if you notice them more around your home, avoid those areas just to be safe.
Miss Muffet's Revenge is the most effective spider killer. One application will provide instant protection and continues to work for up 12 months indoors.